Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 26 November 1976:
Vol. 194. no. 4268, pp. 944 - 946
DOI: 10.1126/science.982051
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Articles

Science, Vol 194, Issue 4268, 944-946
Copyright © 1976 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Risk of communicable disease infection associated with wastewater irrigation in agricultural settlements

E Katzenelson, I Buium, and HI Shuval

The incidence of enteric communicable diseases in 77 kibbutzim (agricultural communal settlements) practicing wastewater spray irrigation with partially treated nondisinfected oxidation pond effluent is compared with that in 130 kibbutzim practicing no form of wastewater irrigation. The incidence of shigellosis, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and infectious hepatitis is two to four times higher in communities practicing wastewater irrigation. No significant differences are found for the incidence of streptococcal infections, tuberculosis, and laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. Nor are differences found for enteric disease rates during the winter nonirrigation season. Strong wastewater treatment measures, including effective bacterial and viral inactivation through disinfection, are recommended for all cases of sewage irrigation or land disposal near residential areas in light of the potential public health risks involved.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Source Bioaerosol Concentration and rRNA Gene-Based Identification of Microorganisms Aerosolized at a Flood Irrigation Wastewater Reuse Site.
T. Paez-Rubio, E. Viau, S. Romero-Hernandez, and J. Peccia (2005)
Appl. Envir. Microbiol. 71, 804-810
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Virus transfer from surf to wind.
E. Baylor, M. Baylor, D. Blanchard, L. Syzdek, and C Appel (1977)
Science 198, 575-580
   Abstract »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)